November 9, 2003: The greatest comeback in MLS history

No one can deny the LA Galaxy – San Jose Earthquakes rivalry is one of the best in Major League Soccer. The rivalry, known for its nail-biting comebacks, heated playoff series and SoCal-NorCal battle for the best, undoubtedly runs deep for the clubs and their supporters.

In recent memory, Quakes fans may fondly recount the epic California Clasico comebacks at Stanford Stadium in 2012 and 2013. Most Quakes fans will choose to forget the 2012 playoff series – the one where the Supporters’ Shield winners were ousted from a run at the Cup, falling to the Galaxy 2-3 on aggregate.

Let’s go back ten years. The postseason that Quakes fans and the rest of the league will never forget. The year of the greatest game in MLS history.

It was November 9, 2003 and the second leg of the Western Conference semifinals. The Quakes were down 4-0 on aggregate to the LA Galaxy. In true never-say-die fashion, the Quakes delivered the greatest comeback in Major League Soccer in front of their home fans at Spartan Stadium. Goals from Agoos, Donovan, Walker, Roner and Faria brought the Quakes back to life - leaving LA in the dust and starting the Quakes’ unforgettable run for the league title.

In honor of our 10th Anniversary of our 2003 MLS Cup championship, we’re reliving the postseason right here on SJEarthquakes.com. Join us as we remember the five goals that spurred the greatest comeback in MLS history and began the quest for our second piece of hardware.